About
Dr. Samia Girard-Karajah is a dedicated Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, and may see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at Coop Santé in Morin-Heights, QC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality, confidential, and respectful care. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including diagnostic assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions for a variety of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders.
Dr. Girard-Karajah holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 6 years of experience as a Psychiatrist since 2018. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Psychiatry (Comprehensive Mental Health Care) in Quebec, ensuring her expertise in the field. Her clinical qualifications enable her to offer evidence-based and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Her clinical philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, emphasizing patient empowerment through education and understanding. Dr. Girard-Karajah believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect, fostering an environment where patients feel safe to share their concerns and work towards improved mental health. She is committed to providing accessible mental health services in Morin-Heights, delivering care in French and English, and ensuring that each patient receives compassionate and effective treatment.
Dr. Samia Girard-Karajah provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
- Brief Psychotic Disorder: A sudden, short-term episode of psychotic behavior, often following a highly stressful event, lasting less than one month.
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
Other Psychiatric Conditions & Focus Areas
- Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Hypersomnolence, Parasomnias - when psychiatrically related): Persistent disturbances in sleep patterns or quality that are often comorbid with or exacerbated by psychiatric conditions.
- Dissociative Disorders: Conditions involving disruptions or breakdowns of memory, consciousness, awareness, identity, and/or perception, often linked to trauma.
Personality Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and marked impulsivity.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of remorse.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency (distinct from OCD).
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Samia Girard-Karajah for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- Group Therapy (various focuses, e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, DBT skills): Facilitating therapeutic groups where individuals with similar concerns can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive mutual support under the guidance of a therapist.
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity/Competency Evaluation - specific contexts): Specialized evaluations to determine an individual's mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment, finances, or other legal matters, often in forensic or geriatric settings.
- Crisis Intervention & Urgent Psychiatric Assessment (in appropriate settings): Providing rapid assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, acute psychosis, or severe agitation, typically in emergency departments or crisis clinics.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Psychiatric Cases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging diagnoses, treatment-resistant conditions, or complex psychopharmacological management plans.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Girard-Karajah for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.
All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Coop Santé is situated in Morin-Heights, in an area near the central neighborhood known for its welcoming community and scenic surroundings. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit, with nearby stops serving the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Ample paid parking options are conveniently located, some with direct access to the building, ensuring ease of access for patients arriving by car. The practice's discreet location fosters a welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing confidentiality and patient comfort amidst the tranquil setting of Morin-Heights.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Girard-Karajah, a Psychiatrist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Psychiatrist like Girard-Karajah are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Girard-Karajah's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Girard-Karajah, a Psychiatrist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Psychiatrist such as Girard-Karajah for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.
- Does Girard-Karajah offer psychotherapy (talk therapy)?
- Many psychiatrists, including potentially Girard-Karajah, are trained in various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and may offer it as part of their treatment approach, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. The specific types of psychotherapy offered can vary (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy). It's best to inquire directly with Girard-Karajah's office or discuss this during your initial consultation to understand her approach to therapy and if it's a service She provides or if She would refer you to another mental health professional like a psychologist or social worker for more intensive or specialized psychotherapy if needed.
- How can I prepare for my first appointment with Girard-Karajah?
- For your first psychiatric appointment with Girard-Karajah, it's helpful to gather some information beforehand. Try to make a list of your main concerns, symptoms (including when they started, how often they occur, and their intensity), and any significant life events or stressors. Bring a list of all current medications (psychiatric and non-psychiatric), including dosages, as well as any past psychiatric medications you've tried and your experience with them. Information about your family history of mental health conditions can also be very useful. Be prepared to discuss your personal history, social situation, and coping strategies. Writing down any questions you have for Girard-Karajah can also ensure you get the most out of your consultation.
- What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Girard-Karajah?
- It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Girard-Karajah will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Girard-Karajah or her office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Girard-Karajah, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Girard-Karajah can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.
Coop Santé
200-2 rue Meadowbrook
Morin-Heights, QC J0R 1H0
Phone: (450) 644-0522 | Fax: (450) 227-6756
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Girard-Karajah is a licensed Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Girard-Karajah for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18856